Energizing Breathwork – Experiencing increased oxygen flow and activation.

While grounding techniques are widely recognized in mental health circles, sometimes what you truly need isn't more grounding-it's an energy boost. If you often feel fatigued or unmotivated, breath work can be a powerful tool to revitalize your nervous system. Unlike caffeine, which can lead to energy spikes and crashes, breathwork provides a safer and more sustainable boost.

Think of the uplifted feeling you get after a good cardio workout-that's your body experiencing increased oxygen flow and activation. However, when just getting off the couch feels overwhelming, diving into cardio can seem impossible. Enter Bellows Breath, a simple and effective technique to energize your body and mind.

Here's how to do it:

1. Inhale deeply while raising your arms overhead.
2. Exhale forcefully as you pull your arms back down to your shoulders.
3. Repeat these movements in a quick rhythm: inhale (1), exhale (2), following the pattern of 1,2; 1,2 for a round of 10.
4. Gradually increase to five rounds as your energy builds.

This exercise can be done sitting or standing, and you can adapt it to meet your body's needs. If lifting your arms is uncomfortable due to an injury, you can extend them forward or move within your own range of motion. Alternatively, start without involving your arms, focusing solely on rhythmic breathing through your nose.

By honoring your body and modifying as needed, this practice can help oxygenate your cells, gently increase your heart rate, and provide a much-needed energy boost.

Rhonda Hubbard, LCSW, RYT-200